XN000022-1996-04-18 — Page 25

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Hotline for complaints of improper debt recovery actions

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (Thursday) that with effect from April 22 (Monday), the public can make use of a hotline (2878 1378) set up by the authority to lodge complaints about improper behaviour (such as intimidatory, violent or illegal actions) of debt collection agencies appointed by authorised institutions.

"This complaint channel will ensure that any irregularities on the part of debt collection agencies employed by authorised institutions will receive the immediate attention of the HKMA so that appropriate action can be taken," said Mr David Carse, Deputy Chief Executive (Banking) of the HKMA.

The HKMA, the Hong Kong Association of Banks and the Deposit-taking Companies Association have formed a working group to develop a Code of Banking Practice which aims to promote good banking practices and a fair and cordial relationship between authorised institutions and their customers.

Further guidance on the use of debt collection agencies in debt recovery actions will be considered by the working group. The HKMA has also used the occasion of the setting up of the complaint hotline to write again to the industry associations to stress the need for authorised institutions to exercise strict control over the agencies.

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Law to enhance safety of gas installations

The Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 1996, to be gazetted tomorrow (Friday), proposes that owners of fuel gas installations such as gas works, high pressure gas pipes and gas storage facilities, should have a statutory duty to maintain and operate the installations safely.

The existing provisions of the Gas Safety Ordinance enable the Gas Authority (the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services) to enter and inspect fuel gas installations and he does so annually.

If the inspector finds any faults, an improvement notice can be issued directing that they be remedied within a certain period.